Berkeley, California (Friday, September 29, 2006) - The City's Health and Human Services Department is sponsoring Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 4, 2006. Berkeley will join schools around the world to celebrate International Walk to School Day and encourages everyone to get out and Walk to School!

The idea is to walk to school together with a purpose — to promote health, safety, physical activity and concern for the environment. Walkers from the U.S. will join children and adults in 36 countries around the world. The Wednesday event is part of a week of festivities celebrating International Walk to School Week (October 2-6, 2006).

The Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Programs partner every year to support to local elementary schools to participate in Walk to School day events. The City is hosting activities at 5 elementary school sites: Le Conte, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Thousand Oaks, and Washington Elementary and supporting activities at Jefferson Elementary as well. At each school site activities begin 30 minutes before school starts and our staff will be there to encourage walking and provide some goodies for the children at the schools!